Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and personnel records from the Veteran's Army Reserve service.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis, finding it likely that the Veteran's condition was present within one year of his discharge from active duty.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) is also granted. The Board determined that the current diagnosis aligns with the claimed in-service stressor.

The Board has not yet completed the requested development and needs to obtain a new VA examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and anxiety, was incurred during her active duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the effective date of his claim, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his low back, knee, and frostbite conditions. The issues of nerves/depression, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and residuals of frostbite of the toes will be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to conflicting opinions on the diagnosis and relationship to service, as well as the need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, and panic disorder without agoraphobia were rated at a 50 percent evaluation from November 28, 2007 to January 14, 2009. From January 15, 2009 to April 16, 2009, the Veteran's condition met the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including depressive disorder NOS, polysubstance abuse disorder in early remission, and personality disorder, are not service-connected as they do not have a direct relationship to his active military service.

The Veteran's lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease, and depression have been granted service connection. The rating for the back disability has been increased to 20 percent since February 11, 2011.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for major depressive disorder and a TDIU. The case is being remanded due to incomplete records, need for updated VA treatment records, and the requirement of obtaining a comprehensive mental health examination.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the schedular criteria were adequate to rate his disability, and there were no related factors such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant records and scheduling a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated conditions causes significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, warranting a 70 percent disability rating effective April 6, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The case will be readjudicated after all necessary actions are taken.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and instead diagnosed him with anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS. The decision denies service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew her increased rating claims for the listed disabilities and her claim for a TDIU before the Board could make a decision.